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Trudeau Goes to India – Adapting to local dresscode

A plethora of news feeds and social media commented on the Canadian Prime Minister’s clothes during his recent visit to India. Faux pas? A distant echo of the Emperor’s New Clothes? Or a colourful cultural tribute that tickled media keyboards? Through the cultural intelligence lens, one may see a strong will to adapt to local culture.

Respecting local culture

Harmonizing to the local dress code is not uncommon for a political figure visiting another nation. This gesture of good faith essentially aims to show respect for local culture and colors. Familiar with this practice, Trudeau often adapts his wardrobe to the tone of other nations. He even wore ceremonial headgear when imposed by the local cultural protocol.

Missteps and perceptions

Other than the Canadian delegation’s enthusiasm to adapt to Indian culture, it seems the missteps might have rather from hasty, less culturally informed keyboards. Observers may have reacted to astonishment while paying little attention to the impacts where the actions truly mattered: in India.